Local community to have their say on new hospital plans 1/3/14
► New care home facility option still to be decided
Members of the community in Barra are being encouraged to attend a public meeting in March, to discuss the most recent progress on the project to replace St Brendan’s in Barra with a new hospital and social care facility.
The meeting, which takes place on March 19 will include a workshop, and facilitators will encourage group discussions and will take feedback on the developing options from those in attendance.
A question and answer session on any issues raised will also be held during the meeting.
The meeting will be attended by senior representatives from NHS Western Isles and
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, who will provide updates on progress to date towards the
re-
More detailed information will also be provided on potential future options.
Feedback from public meetings will help to inform the development of an outline business case for the new St Brendan’s.
This work, currently well underway, will involve very detailed preparation and assessment of all viable options.
It is anticipated that the outline business case will be ready by the beginning of April, before being submitted to the Scottish Government for final approval in May.
Work currently underway includes an assessment of current activity in St Brendan’s hospital and care home, a population health and social care needs assessment, how best to meet the needs identified, and what other services which are currently not provided in Barra could potentially be included in a new development.
Discussions are also ongoing with regard to palliative care and NHS continuing care, as well as possible options for domestic and catering services.
To progress work on the current site, a critical technical appraisal of the site adjacent to St Brendan’s is currently underway.
The health board’s plans to progress the option of a facility on the current site, with the GP Surgery and Scottish Ambulance Service. Current plans are that the new healthcare facility will include a palliative care bed, inpatient beds, and resuscitation areas.
The Comhairle is currently exploring three options -